Week 7: Hot Trading Tips

These players' value is rising, but they're likely already on a team in most leagues, so you'll need to trade for them. This week's picks include Shaun Hill, Ryan Grant, Pierre Thomas, Josh Morgan, and Roy Williams.

In most leagues these players are already on a team and trading for them may not be an option. If the current owner is looking ahead and believes -- as I do -- that their season is going to take a turn in the right direction, then you would have to give up too much. However, some owners are fed up with the poor performance or inconsistent play and are willing to make a move. If you can find an owner willing to deal at the right price for one of these guys, then go for it. They may not have performed as expected thus far, but that doesn't mean the bad luck will continue all season.

Hill has not performed up to my expectations this season. In the first five games he has 200 yards passing in just one and two touchdowns just twice. The way Shaun finished last season, I thought he would be a viable backup this season. Even though he has not posted good numbers in the first few games, I expect this to change in the coming weeks. Frank Gore should return to the line up this week and this will help Hill. In addition, the 49ers play the Texans, Colts, Eagles and Packers in the next month. In each of these games Hill should put good numbers. If you're in need of a bye week fill in or possible a starter down the line, then look to make a trade for Hill.

The Packers' running game has not been as effective this season as fantasy owners were hoping. Through the first five games Grant has yet to reach 100 yards. In week 3 he carried the ball 26 times for 99 yards, but has yet to reach the century mark. Not only have we not seen 100 yards, but we haven't seen a touchdown from Grant in a month (though they did have a bye two weeks ago, so that's three games without a touchdown). Things have to improve for Grant. He won't continue to underperform the whole season. In the coming weeks the Packers will see the Browns, Vikings, Bucs and Cowboys. With the exception of the Vikings, each of these teams is allowing 20+ points to opposing running backs. Don't be afraid to make a move for Grant. He will pay off in the end.

It appears Thomas has fully recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered earlier this season. Last week he ran for 72 yards on 15 carries against what was the league's best defense. Prior to that, Thomas carried the ball 19 times for 86 yards and a touchdown against a very tough Jets defense in week 4. Playing for a well balanced offense has helped Thomas. Opposing defenses have to honor the passing game, which is opening up the running game. The drawback to Thomas reared it's ugly head last week against the Giants. Mike Bell got as many carries as Thomas; on fourth and goal it was Bell who got the call, not Thomas. With upcoming games against the Falcons, Panthers and Rams, Thomas should post very good numbers. If you can get your hands on Pierre, go for it. He should have some success in the coming weeks.

Josh Morgan could be the pick up of the week. Through the first five games Morgan had one game with more than 75 yards and only one game with a touchdown. In addition he has not caught more than 4 balls in a game yet this season. With numbers like this, you should be able to pick up Morgan for little to nothing (or even better yet, he could be available on the waiver wire). That is if you believe as we do that Morgan's numbers will continue to improve. In three of the next four weeks the 49ers will face Houston, Tennessee and Chicago. All three teams are allowing more than 21 points per game. Not only will you want Morgan for these games, but come weeks 13-16, playoff time, he will see the Cardinals, Eagles and Lions. Against these teams, Morgan should put up respectable numbers.

The career game put together by Miles Austin two weeks ago should improve Williams' value. You may be wondering how that could happen and the answer is simple. Opposing defenses now have to pay attention to someone other than Witten and Williams. Now that the Cowboys have another valid receiving option, Williams should see less double coverage and in return, see more passes. If this holds true, then Williams could post some good numbers against the Falcons, Seahawks, Eagles and Packers in the coming weeks.